SPORTS 100623

We kick-off with results of Day-12 of the FIFA World Cup – Argentina defeated Greece 2-nil in their final Group B encounter to top the group with maximum points.

Second-half goals from Martin Demichellis and Martin Palermo in Polokwane secured all 3 points for Diego Maradona’s men who now progress to the next stage.

And with the win, Maradona has come out to say he wants an apology from his critics who dismissed the Argentine team enroute to the finals in South Africa.

Also making it through to the next phase are South Korea who managed a 2-all draw with Nigeria in Durban.

It’s the first time the Korean’s have made it through into the Round of 16 outside their home soil.

And in the next stage Korea will face Group A winners Uruguay in Port Elisabeth this Saturday.

Uruguay battled hard in their final Group A tie against Mexico in Rustenburg – winning 1-nil – with the crucial goal scored by Luis Suarez in the 43rd minute.

Mexico however finish the group second on goal difference, despite South Africa winning 2-1 in their final game against a dismal France in Bloemfontein.

The Mexicans will now face Group B winners Argentina on Sunday at Soccer City in Johannesburg.
****

More final group ties later this evening – and in Group C – it’s do-or-die for England tonight in a must win tie against Slovenia in Port Elisabeth.

Elsewhere in Pretoria - Algeria will face the United States of America – both these ties will kick-off at 10pm.

And later at 2:30am – two ties played simultaneously in Group D – leaders Ghana will conclude it’s group ties with a match against Germany in Johannesburg’s Soccer City; and Austrlalia will face Serbia in Nelspruit.
****

Finally in Tennis and in a Wimbeldon update – Andy Murray recovered from a shaky start to cruise through his first-round match against Jan Hajek

The British #1 dispatched his Czech opponent 7-5 6-1 6-2 in little over an hour and a half.

In Women’s action –Serena Williams opened her Wimbledon defence with a 6-0 6-4 victory over Portuguese teenager Michelle Larcher De Brito in just 63 minutes.
****